Although prosecutors said that Burnett's role in this case is the smallest, they also said it was the most critical. Burnett is the one police said strangled Brooks. Police also said were it not for another man's confession, Burnett might still be free today.

Everett Gentry was 17 at the time he confessed to helping carry out Chelsea Brooks' murder. He told police he was close friends with Elgin Robinson, the father of Brooks' unborn daughter, and the alleged mastermind behind her death. Gentry said he enlisted Theodore Burnett and that it was Burnett who strangled the 14-year old.

Prosecutors showed the first pictures in the case Friday, Brooks' body buried in a shallow grave in western Butler County. Authorities said a plastic bag was over her head and ligature marks were around her neck. Police knew from Brooks' friends that Gentry was the last person she was with.

Cell phone records helped crack the case. Police arrested Gentry the day Brooks' body was discovered. He originally denied any involvement, until his cell phone records showed how close to the crime-scene he was around the time of Brooks' disappearance.

Gentry confessed, giving up Robinson and Burnett in the process. Gentry said he drove north of Andover as Burnett strangled Brooks.

Burnett's defense said Gentry's confession is sketchy, his story changed more than once and the teenager cut a deal with prosecutors to save himself from the death penalty.

Police and prosecutors said Gentry's testimony is the truth and that it reveals the killer.

Gentry is now serving a life sentence for his role in the crime. His testimony is key to the state's case against Theodore Burnett, who faces the death penalty if convicted.

Gentry is scheduled to take the stand on Monday.